"Pleasure of Herbs" Workshop

An entertaining, informational seminar, the "Pleasure of Herbs," will be presented at Bluefield State College's Tierney Conference Center, January 10, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The seminar is sponsored by BSC's Creative Retirement Center, and is open to the public, free of charge. It was originally scheduled for January 10, but was rescheduled because of inclement weather on that date.

Georganna Calfee, a onetime nationally accredited NCSGC flower show judge, will present the program. An experienced gardener, Calfee grows and uses around 100 varieties of herbs at her family's home near Bluefield.

"There are many definitions for classifying something as an herb," she notes. "My criteria is that the plant gives something back and asks very little of me. If I can throw it in a pot or drink it in a tea, that's good reason for growing it. But if the plant is only beautiful, that's okay, too."

"There are many ways to look at an herb garden," she adds. "Tantalizing, memorable flavors grab the cook's attention. The homemaker glories in the colorful bundles of herbs drying in the shed. The fragrances of future potpourri blends tickle the nose. The kitchen cosmetologist dreams of rosemary hair rinse, chamomile soap and rose lotions, and the herbal medicine cabinet can be filled with salves and oils for all kinds of ailments. Almost everything we touch has some kind of herbal connection.

In the two-hour seminar, participants can make the "herbal connection" while exploring herbs. Topics include planning and planting an herb garden, along with a discussion of the usefulness of herbs in cooking, cosmetics, and medicine. Resource material for gardeners and nongardeners will be available.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Bluefield State College Center for Economic Enhancement & Educational Outreach at (304) 327-4071.